MANILA, Philippines - Theater goers have been clamoring for tickets a month into Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) Rak of Aegis rerun, what with its cleverly arranged music and timely social commentary.
Here are six interesting insider trivia you need to know about Rak.
1. Those stileptos are designer. Jewel’s shoe ideas are as crazy as his outfit, but as he himself says, “Look again!” Those stileptos and sapatsinelas are designer. Most of the shoes from the show were designed by shoe designer Maco Custodio who is a trained shoe engineer with a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Sto. Tomas.
2. The Baha Jos is clean. Ensemble member Carlo Matobato has no problems drinking the infamous Baha Jos straight from the flood water. Even Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and singer David Pomeranz tried it when they watched the show. So what is Baha Jos made of? Several Venizian copyrights forbid us from revealing the secret ingredient, but Aling Mercy hints she stirs it herself.
3. The cast frequents the lobby more than you think. Cast members in costume loiter at the lobby while waiting for their cue. So don’t be surprised if you see Kenny or Kiel having a chitchat with the ushers minutes before belting out the rock ballads we’ve come to know and love while taking a “banyo” break.
4. The truth about the flood water. Using real flood water on the set of Rak posed some dangers like mosquito infestation. But no matter how dirty the water looks, viewers need not worry because it is treated with chlorine to ward off mosquitoes.
The maintenance staff even put up a mini citronella garden on the side of the hall and regularly treats the theater with scent-free insecticide.
5. Kenny does the voiceovers. Musical director and actor Myke Salomon is the one who reminds the audience not to sing with the cast or else you’ll be dunked in flood water for “tin sikands (10 seconds).”
6 . No two shows are the same. Rak of Aegis leaves room for funny one-liners and character improvisation. Kim Molina, who alternates with Aicelle Santos for the role of Aileen, shares that director Maribel Legarda gives the actors freedom to play with their characters and really make it their own.
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Rak of Aegis runs until Aug. 31 every Thursday, 8 p.m., and Friday to Sunday at 3 and 8 p.m. at the PETA Phinma Theater in QC.
For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999, PETA at 725-6244, email petatheater@gmail.com or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.